RAF Reserves Kawasaki’s Jake Dixon clinched his maiden MCE British Superbike victory and he did it in style at Knockhill, in the opening race at the Scottish circuit.
The 21-year-old had a phenomenal start and grabbed the hole-shot and never looked back to take his lights-to-flag win. He then crossed the finishing line with a 3.7 second advantage over second place finisher, JG Speedfit Kawasaki’s Luke Mossey.
Be Wiser Ducati’s Shane Byrne completed the rostrum, and he spent most of the race locked in a battle for third, with Honda Racing’s Jason O’Halloran. But the reigning champ held on, and is now inside the top six and in showdown contention. Dixon opted for the softer front and rear tyres, but Mossey went for the harder SC2 front, even though he had been riding the softer options all weekend.
It was a strong performance by local lad, Taylor Mackenzie who had his best BSB finish of the year in fifth, followed by Smiths Racing’s Peter Hickman and Moto Rapido Ducati’s John Hopkins.
Former World Superbike champion, Sylvain Guintoli had a good maiden race at the Fife track to cross the line in eighth, with Smiths Racing’s Lee Jackson and McAMS Michael Laverty, completing the top ten.
But it was an unlucky race for Laverty’s team-mate, James Ellison as he crashed out on turn 3 on lap six whilst in podium contention. Seconds later on the same rotation, Dan Linfoot then crashed out of the top five, going into the chicane. Both rider’s were unhurt and walked away from their respective crashes.
On lap 14 of 30 Anvil Hire TAG Racing’s Josh Brookes crashed, unhurt at the hairpin. The Isle of Man TT returnee was well inside the top ten when he took a tumble. There were some retirements, which included FS-3 Racing’s Billy McConnell who came to a stop on his ZX-10RR at turn 9. Meanwhile, youngster Bradley Ray was riding high in an impressive sixth, but he took a tumble at turn 7, while he was gaining pace on O’Halloran, after half race distance. At the flag Bridewell, Smrz, Westmoreland and Zanotti were the last of the points finishers.
The grid was somewhat diminished this afternoon due to some rider’s missing due to injury. JG Speedfit Kawasaki’s Leon Haslam suffered a concussion and cracked some vertebrae after a massive high side during free practice one, and Be Wiser Ducati’s Glenn Irwin dislocated his elbow and shoulder after his fall in the same session on Friday. Tyco BMW’s Christian Iddon is also bandaged up as he has a flesh wound on his left arm, due to his crash in the opening session two days ago.
